“This is a celebration where we bring together the community to celebrate the rich African American history and the African history…” said NAACP President V. Jessie Smith. “As a community we unite under the banner of love, trust, brotherhood and sisterhood.”

Lancaster resident Johnathon Ervin and Palmdale resident Juan Blanco were two of more than 200 local residents attending the event.

The event featured drummers and dancers, gospel singing and praise dancing, poetry, and reflections on the meaning of Kwanzaa and its seven principles, as told by several of the community’s young leaders and scholars.

Kwanzaa, an annual celebration that takes place from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1, was created in 1966 to celebrate family, community, culture and unity. The foundation of the holiday is built upon a set of unifying principles that give strength and empowerment to the community. During the weeklong celebration, each day is dedicated to one of the seven principles – – Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-Determination), Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity) and Imani (Faith). Read more about the history and meaning of Kwanzaa here.

“It’s a misconception that it’s a Black Christmas, but it’s a cultural event that has to do with how we can collectively work together,” said Simone Zulu, adding that people of all races and religons can celebration Kwanzaa. “We all believe in being unified, we all want to determine how our life is going to be, we want cooperative economics, we all have faith, we all are creative, that’s basically the principles of Kwanzaa. It’s just that it has a Swahili name for each of those principles.”

Sights from Kwanzaa celebration 2013

During the three-hour celebration, many young community leaders and scholars reflected on the seven principles of Kwanzaa. Community activist Veronica Fields spoke about Kujichagulia (Self-Determination).Tunde Obazee (right) inspired the 200-plus crowd through song and spoken word. He even got Lancaster Mayor Emeritus Henry Hearns (left) on his feet.Yolanda Walker sang a rousing rendition of “I’ll Take You There.” During her performance, she was joined by the AV’s community queens and event organizers Waunette Cullors and Laneay London.The sound of rhythmic drum beats filled the air throughout the event.Even the youngest of attendees took part in the drum circle.The event packed the room at the United Desert Charities (2101 East Palmdale Boulevard).